INDONESIA
>VISUAL
ARTS
BEYOND IDENTITY
1OO MASKS OF CIREBON
Highly acclaimed visual artist FX Harsono explores themes of displacement, identity and his dual heritage: Chinese and Indonesian. Beyond Identity is an exhibition that unites a number of pivotal pieces from the oeuvre of this important artist. Included are works depicting the erasure of Chinese deaths in mass graves throughout Java, and the artist’s own struggles with his family heritage. FX Harsono has exhibited widely since the 1970s and was recently awarded the 2014 Prince Claus Award. His work is a part of major collections including The National Gallery of Indonesia, Singapore Art Museum and the National Gallery of Australia.
Immerse yourself deep in history as you explore the 100 Masks of Cirebon exhibition. The highly elaborate masks convey a stark beauty and powerful presence. These masks are used in traditional Topeng dance performances and are unique to the historic Indonesian city of Cirebon in West Java. The collection, from Indonesia’s Narada Art Gallery, is a manifestation of the great work of the ancestors. The masks are steeped in mysticism as they transform the dancer into the character they dipict: the older the mask, the more powerful the performance. Look deep into the face of history, as it looks back on you.
FX HARSONO
10 Sep – 2 Oct Nexus Gallery
9 Sep – 3 Oct The Maj Gallery
Lion Arts Centre, Cnr North Tce & Morphett St, Adelaide Tue – Fri 9am – 5pm
Grote Street, Adelaide Wed – Sat 11am – 4pm and during performance times at Her Majesty's Theatre
FREE
FREE
FX Harsono, Writing in the Rain, 2011, single channel video, 6:02 min. Courtesy of the artist.
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Supported by Narada Art Gallery and Culture Preservation
YAYASAN PRIMA ARDIAN TANA